Topeka Travel Guide

Situated along the Kansas River, Topeka, which means “a good place to dig potatoes,” is the capital of Kansas. Locals call it Top City, and with award-winning beer and a variety of family-friendly attractions, it’s easy to see why.

Things to Do in Topeka

Top City’s top attractions include the Historic Richie House, the oldest home in the city which was built by Topeka’s original founders, as well as the Combat Air Museum, where dozens of old aircrafts, engines, and exhibits are on display. For those who love art, Topeka offers a selection of arts and crafts studios and galleries that allow visitors to create their own pieces and marvel over the work of other talented artists. The city also offers a variety of wineries and breweries — most notably, Blind Tiger Brewery and Restaurant, which is known for its hand-crafted, award-winning beer. And for a night full of thrills, the Ghost Tours of Kansas is among the most popular attractions Topeka has to offer.

Best Places to Stay in Topeka

The best place to stay in Topeka is Downtown, where you’ll be able to take a stroll to local shops filled with unique treasures, as well as dine in locally owned restaurants. A walk away is world renowned blues music and national entertainment.

Best Time to Visit Topeka

The temperatures in Topeka vary drastically, so the best time to visit for summer activities is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. If you're looking to participate in snow-related activities, the best best time to visit is December.

Food in Topeka

One of the best places to eat in Topeka is the Rowhouse Restaurant, which features a weekly changing, globally influenced menu and is known for its unique ambience and amazing hospitality. Another local favorite is The Burger Stand at College Hill, which features gourmet burgers and hot dogs and a full bar, as well as a patio and a game room. For snacks, visit Cashmere Popcorn, which offers gourmet popcorn in a variety of flavors, including caramel crunch, caramel cayenne, caramel peanut, pecan delight, and spicy chili cheese and peanut butter.

Best Events in Topeka

If you're visiting in December, check out Winterfest, an annual holiday event that features live reindeer and a real sleigh, horse-drawn carriage rides, an ugly sweater contest, and a cast of holiday characters like the Sugar Plum Fairy, Ebenezer Scrooge, and Tiny Tim. Winterfest even offers a holiday chili cook-off and an ice-sculpting contest. If you're visiting in the summer months, check out the Mulvane Art Fair, which features work from over 90 artists, as well as live music, good food, and plenty of opportunities to make your own art.

Things to Do for Families in Topeka

For family-friendly activities, visit the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, where kids can learn how to take an x-ray, change a tire, dance, build towers, compose songs, do science experiments, and create fantastically messy art pieces. On a sunny day, explore the tropical rain forest exhibit and learn about animals at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center at Gage Park.